Senate doesn’t oppose PUV modernization

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, meets transport group called Magnificent 7, to clarify positions on Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). Magnificent 7, a pro-PUVMP, is composed of Pasang Masda, Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (Acto), Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), Stop and Go Coalition, and UV-Express Federation of the Philippines.

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero met on Wednesday with transport groups to clarify that the Senate does not oppose the public transport modernization program because 83 percent of drivers and operators have already complied with the government program.

READ: PUV modernization still a go, says President

“Our goal is to postpone it to those who are not ready, to those who have not finished the route plan, to those who have not yet been convinced by the government, they should not ban or declare these routes illegal while they have yet to comply,” Escudero said, without explaining why the project should be postponed due to a noncompliant minority.

“But for the remaining 16 percent, that’s what we’re looking at, how to convince them, entice and encourage them to join the modernization without fear, pressure, or oppression,” Escudero said.

Escudero said he would also meet with transport groups Manibela and Piston to listen to their complaints and demands about the program. —Charie Abarca